Trade talks … Mets deny Grudzielanek deal

The Mets deny they have traded tonight for Kansas City second baseman “Mark Grudzielanek.”:http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5359

Grudzielanek was pulled form the line-up prior to tonightÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s RoyalsÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ game with the Yankees, which is usually a sign of an imminent trade. The first dot, so to speak.

“There are no dots to connect,Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ said the MetsÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ official. Not yet, anyway.

This bears watching, because teams have been known to issue denials as a smokescreen. It also bears watching because GM Omar Minaya said he’s been getting calls from teams asking if the Mets need a second baseman.

The Mets were interested in Grudzielanek as a free agent after the 2005 season but signed Jose Valentin. Of the speculation, Grudzielanek said: “I don’t concern myself with that. Until I get a phone call. That hasnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t happened.”

Grudzielanek is the AL Gold Glove winner at second base and is batting .302. He has $1.5 million remaining on this year’s contract, which has a clause for a $4 million player option for 2008 with 500 plate appearances and $4.5 million with 550 plate appearances.

He underwent surgery last month to repair torn cartilage in his left knee.

John Delcos enters his third season covering the Mets for The Journal News after eight seasons on the Yankees beat. Prior to coming to New York, John covered the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians.

8 Comments

metsfan

you’ve got to be kidding me…a player being pulled from the line up before a game is “usually” a sign of an imminent trade? John, tell me, what percentage of times does a player who is pulled from the line up prior to a game get traded? 1%? less than 1%? I mean really, Beltran was pulled before the game, is he getting traded? Bonds was pulled before his game, is he getting traded? Please, this is a joke and what makes me look down upon sensationalist journalism. If you go to espn.com and check out his player profile, it actually has a little status alert right there, and what does it say?....DAY TO DAY. Grudzy’s been sore lately and he probably couldn’t go today. But no, now he’s getting traded…

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To metsfan: Beltran and Bonds are not on the trade market. Grudzielanek is and he’s on a team that always is a seller this time of year. If you don’t like the word ``usually,’’ that’s fair enough. How about often? Or frequently? Either way, the Mets and Royals are talking about him and guys in the center of trade talks get pulled.-JD

My question is, “What would the Mets have to give up to get him?” I know little or nothing about the Royals—except that Bannister is pitching for them. What is it that they’re looking for? Cheap, young talent I would assume. Which means… ? With the way Milledge is producing right now and all the injuries to other OF, there’s no way the Mets trade him unless they get an established OF w/ power in return. Pitching? I’m thinking Pelfrey or Humber + another mid-level prospect.

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To Chris: Yup, cheap young talent is what the Royals are after. Relax, Milledge isn’t going anywhere. Especially to KC. Pelfrey and Humber are too valuable to spend on Grudzielanek. I’m not sure who would go, but I can’t see a high level prospect being in the package. I would rather take my chances with Gotay then to part with any of the three I mentioned.-JD